An outstanding soundtrack that seems to magically enhance every single
scene resonates throughout Adam Yauch's latest documentary exploration:
Gunnin' for That #1 Spot. Following the formula for typical
documentaries, Yauch examines eight high school basketballers vying for
recognition, college scholarships and attention from the NBA. But while
a few unique camera tricks are used to enhance the rudimentary
questioning of family and friends, Gunnin's #1 nemesis is the same
predicament far too many documentaries face: the subject matter. Highly
appealing to those interested in the topic, the film never breaks into
total entertainment for those not enmeshed in the frenzy and corrival
nature of an elite game at Rucker Park.

Eight high school kids, including Jarryd Bayless, Michael Beasley,
Kevin Love, Kyle Singler and Tyreke Evans, are gearing up for an
invitation to one of the most prestigious basketball events in the
nation. The Elite 24 pits the top talents all around the U.S. against
each other in a competitive game of basketball at the famed Rucker
Park. Where Reebok, Adidas, and Nike have their own camps to harvest
the best young basketball talent, The Elite 24 doesn't separate players
based on their shoes. It is an all-out battle between the best of the
best in high school basketball.

Adam Yauch from Beastie Boys fame directs Gunnin' for That #1 Spot with
a standard documentarist feel for material. From the generic opening
title sequence with painfully low-budget graphics, to the commonplace
hand-held camera-work, there really isn't anything technically
outlandish to witness. Yauch uses a fisheye lens for visual flair in an
impressive aerial shot above New York, but then proceeds to overkill
the idea by utilizing it for every other subsequent shot.

The most exciting moments, including the shattering of a backboard at a
high school game, are home video footage from the bleachers, and are
unfortunately incredibly grainy. While more of these exhilarating
moments would have been gladly welcomed, the low quality of such
archives detracts from truly focusing on the amazing talents of these
young men.

The most impressive aspect of Gunnin' for That #1 Spot is the
soundtrack. Blazing hip-hop, smooth jazz, break beats and heavy
rhythmic clips permeate the documentary and manage to make each skilled
maneuver just that much more awe-inspiring. But like so many
documentaries, Gunnin' suffers from the fact that its subject matter
appeals to a very distinct group, and doesn't have the power to
transcend to other demographics. With the inspiring notion that these
kids are as young as 15 years old, the hilarious nicknames, the
brightly colored shoes, overbearing agents, questionably experienced
professional analysts, pressures of the media and an abrupt conclusion,
Gunnin' for That #1 Spot is enlightening and entertaining, but
tragically too narrow.

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